Meet Kevin Hines - He jumped and survived

I recently lost a friend to suicide so this story was helpful for me to hear. I had been familiar with Kevin Hines as I had watched his story in the documentary about suicide. I have just learned that he is using his experience to help others. What could be better than that?


(source)

In 2000 at the age of 19 Kevin Hines decided to jump from the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.

When Kevin jumped he regretted it. He fractured an ankle and broke his spine.

These days, Hines is a part-time high-school activities coordinator who is studying to become a psychologist. But he also travels around the country to share his story with others.

Kevin's story was featured in the controversial documentary entitled The Bridge. It is in this film that several suicides are documented as individuals jump off the Golden Gate Bridge. Families of those who died are interviewed along with Kevin who attempted to die and survived.

Kevin Hines tells his story

Hines has battled major depression and bipolar disorder, which is marked by severe mood swings, for a decade. Even with proper diagnoses, medications and therapy, Hines couldn't come to terms with his illness for a long time.

"With a broken arm, you can see it right away," he said. "When you have a broken brain, people look at you cross-eyed."

Meet John Kevin Hines

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: www.dbsalliance.org or 800-826-3632 You can take a confidential screening for depression or mania.

National Mental Health Awareness Campaign: www.nostigma.org or 877-495-0009 Nonpartisan public education campaign launched by Tipper Gore at the 1999 White House Conference on Mental Health.

Mental Health America: www.mentalhealthamerica.net or 800-969-6642. Represents patients, families, medical professionals and advocates for the mentally ill